CHRONIC FATIGUE SYNDROME/MYALGIC ENCEPHALOMYELITIS

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome/Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (CFS/ME) is a medical condition similar to fibromyalgia and share many symptoms, however there are also viable differences. The primary symptom in patients with CFS/ME is fatigue with pain as a secondary symptom. While FMS patients have fatigue, its primary symptom is pain with the 18 tender points. [See a compilation of symptoms listed below]

CFS is more than just being tired; it is exhausting, so much so that it interferes with patients’ lives. It causes difficulty with both professional and personal duties and responsibilities up to the point of severe disability and constantly being bedridden.

Like Fibromyalgia, CFS/ME does not have a known cause. Links have be made by researchers to the sympathetic nervous system and the HPA axis; genes that impact your body’s reaction to injury and stress. Some researchers believe in some cases of CFS/ME it is an abnormal reaction of common infections. Links have been made to the Esptein Barr virus, enteroviruses, human herpesvirus 6 & Lyme diseases, tho these links are inconsistent. Recent studies suggest that the immune system may be active in the body as it is constantly fighting an infection that is not really there. The latest research has made links between CFS/ME and retrovirus XMRV (xenotropic Moloney murine leukemia virus-related virus), but has been unable as of yet be able to establish certainty.

CHRONIC FATIGUE SYNDROME SYMPTOMS CHECKLIST -The Monster List!



Sleep & Energy-Related Symptoms

  • Incapacitating fatigue*

  • Post-exertional malaise* (extreme fatigue after exercise, lasting 24 hours or more)
  • Poor stamina
  • Unrefreshing sleep*



Flu-Like Symptoms

  • Pain in joints without swelling or redness* (can be constant or move between joints)

  • Muscle aches* and/or weakness
  • Sore throat*
  • Headaches of a new type, pattern of severity*
  • Tender lymph nodes
  • Chronic cough
  • Nausea
  • Recurrent flu-like illness



Other Pain/Sensation-Related Symptoms

  • Morning stiffness

  • Earache
  • Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), as an overlapping condition (abdominal pain, nausea, diarrhea, bloating)
  • Numbness
  • Tingling and/or burning sensations in the face or extremities (Paraesthesia)
  • Chest pains (Always treat chest pain as a serious condition warranting immediate medical care.)
  • Jaw pain (possibly TMJ, as an overlapping condition)



Cognitive Symptoms

  • Short-term memory or concentration problems*

  • Word-finding difficulties/impaired speech (dysphasia)
  • Inability to comprehend or retain what is read
  • Inability to calculate numbers
  • Impaired reasoning
  • Spacial disorientation
  • Mental fogginess



Psychological Symptoms
Note: While these symptoms are generally considered psychological, they do not indicate that chronic fatigue syndrome is a psychological condition, and some or all of these symptoms may be caused by physiological abnormalities.

  • Depression, as an overlapping condition

  • Irritability
  • Anxiety
  • Panic attacks
  • Personality changes
  • Mood swing



Sensitivities & Intolerances

  • New or worsening allergies

  • Sensitivities to noise, odors, foods, chemicals or medications
  • Sensitivity to heat and/or cold, causing symptoms to be worse
  • Alcohol intolerance



Cardio & Respiratory Symptoms

  • Irregular heartbeat

  • Neurally mediated hypotension (dizziness & balance problems upon standing)
  • Shortness of breath
  • Frequent, hard to treat respiratory infections



General Symptoms

  • Low-grade fever or low body temperature

  • Visual disturbances (blurring, light sensitivity, eye pain, worsening vision, dry eyes)
  • Chills & night sweats
  • Dry mouth & eyes (called sicca syndrome)
  • Rashes
  • Tinnitus (ringing in the ears), as an overlapping condition
  • Unexplained weight changes
  • Muscle twitching
  • Seizures
  • Recurrent infections
  • Frequent canker sores
  • History of herpes simplex or shingles
  • Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS), as an overlapping condition
  • Endometriosis, as an overlapping condition



(Symptoms with an asterisk (*) are included in the CDC diagnostic criteria, which is somewhat controversial. Many researchers and advocates are calling for the U.S. to adopt Canadian diagnostic criteria.)


Sources:
2006 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “Symptoms”.
2006 The CFIDS Association of America, Inc. All rights reserved. “Symptoms”.